Border, corner and cut-out template

ABSTRACT

A template for guiding a writing or cutting implement which comprises a plurality of patterns along its outer edges. In one embodiment, the template has four outer edges, each comprising a different pattern. The template further comprises a plurality of voids or cut-outs defined by shape-defining edges, disposed within the face of the template. The template further comprises a plurality of corner hole edges, center hole edges and rectangular marker hole edges for facilitating the positioning of the template on to a transfer sheet. Another embodiment of the template includes a layering system, designed to enable stenciling of a unique layered pattern. The layering system comprises a plurality of sets of voids or cut-outs defined by shape-defining edges, each set having a plurality of marker holes associated therewith. Each set of shapes is stenciled after being successively aligned with a marked drawing spot, and a layered effect is created by stenciling only that portion of each shape from a set which does not overlap any shapes from a previously stenciled set.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to art supplies, and more particularlyto templates for stencilling borders and corners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Template stencils are well-known in the art as guides for artists whoseek to draw or cut pre-determined shapes. A template usually comprisesa semi-rigid piece of plastic, having a small thickness. The template isplaced upon a sheet desired to be drawn upon or cut (hereinafter "atransfer sheet"). The face of the template can have a variety ofdifferent voids or cut-outs. In addition, the outer edges of thetemplates are often used as additional guides for the user. The interiorcut-outs are given their shape by the interior edges of the template,which guide the writing or cutting instrument of a user along the pathproscribed by the edge of the cut-out. The user draws or cuts along theouter or interior edges of the template and a drawn line or a cut lineis created on the transfer sheet coinciding with the shape or patternwhich the outer or interior edge of the template possessed.

It is typically a desired attribute of a stencil template to provide,without increasing the relative size of a stencil template, the greatestvariety of shapes possible for the user. An increase in efficiency willexist if a single stencil template can provide a user with numerousshapes and patterns to implement. Therefore, as much of the template aspossible should consist of outer and interior edges for the user to beguided by. However, the stencil must also retain its semi-rigidity so asnot to be easily broken during normal usage and not to have its outer orinterior edges deflect, and thereby cause the writing or cuttinginstrument to deviate from the edge's proscribed path, if the user'swriting or cutting instrument pushes against the edge during usage.Therefore, a balance must be struck to provide the user with the maximumnumber of edges which define shapes or patterns while still retainingthe semi-rigidity of the template.

Prior art templates usually provide means for aligning the template onthe transfer sheet. The alignment guides which are commonly used consistof thin lines etched or drawn on to the template. The thin lines arelocated on the template so as to enable the user to line up the thinlines with reference lines or points on the transfer sheet. Because thethin alignment lines are usually located on the face of the template,the template is transparent, in order for the reference points or lineson the transfer sheet to be seen by the user in order to line them up.

There exists a need for a stencil template which provides the user witha variety of edges for guiding a writing or cutting instrument. Thereexists a further need for positioning a template on a transfer sheet soas to permit an outer or interior edge of the template to be placed in apre-determined position relative to the transfer sheet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A template for guiding a writing or cutting implement which comprises aplurality of patterns along its outer edges. In one embodiment, thetemplate has four outer edges, each comprising a different pattern. Thetemplate further comprises a plurality of voids or cut-outs defined byshape-defining edges, disposed within the face of the template. Thetemplate further comprises a plurality of corner hole edges, center holeedges and rectangular marker hole edges for facilitating the positioningof the template on to a transfer sheet. The corner hole edges, centerhole edges and rectangular marker hole edges are located on the face ofthe template so as to permit the edges of the transfer sheet or markingson the transfer sheet to be utilized to help facilitate the positioningof the template.

A further embodiment of the present invention includes a layeringsystem, designed to enable stenciling of a unique layered pattern. Thelayering system comprises a plurality of sets of voids or cut-outsdefined by shape-defining edges. Each set further comprises a pluralityof marker holes associated therewith, in order to create a markeddrawing spot for alignment during the layering process. Using the markerholes, each set is successively aligned by positioning the marker holesassociated with that set on the same marked drawing spot, in order tolayer a stenciled image from that set onto previously stenciled imagesfrom other sets. A layered effect is created by stenciling only thatportion of each shape from a set which does not overlap any shapes froma previously stenciled set. This creates a combined image with shapesfrom one or more sets of the layering system. Preferably, the shapes ofeach set are specially positioned to form, when successively aligned andlayered together, a pre-determined pattern, such as an interconnecteddesign of layered geometric shapes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further understood from the followingdescription with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a template for stencilling borders and corners, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a template comprising corner hole edges to position ashape-defining edge on a transfer sheet, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a template comprising rectangular marker hole edgesto position an outer edge of the template on a transfer sheet, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a template comprising center hole edges to positionan outer edge of the template on a transfer sheet, in accordance withone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a template having a layering system comprising threerows of geometric images and associated marker holes, used to create alayered pattern, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6a illustrates the first step of a three-step layering system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6b illustrates the second step of a three-step layering system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6c illustrates the third step of a three-step layering system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of the preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. A template 10 is a sheet of semi-rigid material,preferably plastic, of varying size, though preferably approximately 12"long, 12" wide and 1/32" thick. The outer edges 12a, 12b , 12c and 12dof template 10 along its width and length are not straight, but insteadcomprise various shapes, either geometric or decorative, which can guidea writing or cutting implement. In the preferred embodiment, each of thefour outer edges has a different shape, permitting the tracing of fourdifferent border designs by the same template. As shown, edge 12acomprises a series of equally spaced, symmetrical protuberances, edge12b comprises elongated waves, edge 12c comprises alternating large andsmall semi-circular shapes, while edge 12d comprises a series ofequally-sized large semi-circular shapes. As is evident, there is aninfinite number of patterns and shapes which can comprise the outeredges of template 10, only several of which are shown or describedherein. In another embodiment, template 10 has two different shapededges, wherein two edges have shapes which are identical to each other,and the remaining two sides have shapes which are identical with eachother but which are different from the first two sides. As is evident,it is also possible that all four sides of template 10 have identicalshapes, although this does not comport with the desirability to providea variety of design ideas in a single template. Additionally, it isevident that template 10 can have more than four outer edges, thuspermitting a greater number of shapes and patterns.

The face of template 10 has a plurality of discrete voids or cut-outsdefined by shape-defining edges. The edges of the cut-outs comprisevarious shapes and sizes, but all serve the purpose of permitting a userto either trace or cut along the edge to create a shape on the transfersheet identical with the cut-out shape. The cut-outs are preferrably,though not necessarily, arranged on the face of template 10 so as toprovide a variety of different shapes. At the same time, template 10must be constructed with enough of the plastic template material betweenthe cut-outs, and with enough of the plastic template material betweenthe cut-outs and the template edges, so as prevent template 10 frombeing too flimsy or from breaking during normal usage.

It should be noted that template 10 is reversible, wherein it can beflipped over so as to enable the user to draw a mirror image of any ofthe shapes disposed within template 10. Template 10 shown in FIG. 1 isidentical to the template 10 shown in FIG. 2, except that in FIG. 2,template 10 has been flipped over. Corner hole edge 18a, the purpose ofwhich will be discussed more fully later, which was previously locatedin the upper left hand corner of template 10 in FIG. 1, is now locatedin the upper right hand corner of template 10 in FIG. 2. Thus, forexample, edge 40a, which also will be discussed more fully later, can belocated in any corner of transfer sheet 100 enabling symmetrical designpatterns to be stencilled on transfer sheet 10 with only a singleshape-defining edge disposed on template 10.

In FIG. 1, edge 14 of template 10 defines an egg-shaped void whichenables a person to draw a symmetrical representation of an egg ontransfer sheet 100 by running a writing implement along edge 14, suchthat the tip of the writing implement contacts transfer sheet 100 and isguided along edge 14 by the user. In another embodiment of theinvention, a knife, scissor or other cutting apparatus is utilized tocut transfer sheet 100, rather than draw on it. Edge 16 of template 10defines a star-shaped void while edge 42 defines a Christmas tree-shapedvoid. As shown, a plurality of edges can be disposed on template 10 inorder to define a plurality of discrete shapes, only some of which arelabelled herein. In addition, as is evident, an infinite variety ofshape-defining edges can be disposed on template 10, only some of whichare shown herein.

The face of template 10 also comprises a series of center hole edges,corner hole edges and rectangular marker hole edges. Each of these edgesis utilized to position template 10 on transfer sheet 100 and ensurethat the shapes created by the person using template 10 are likewisepositioned on transfer sheet 100 symmetrically. While a user can utilizetemplate 10 in any conceivable position, template 10 advantageously hasmeans for aligning the template so as to ensure that images, whendesired, will be properly centered, spaced and positioned on transfersheet 100. Thus, while the positioning of a specific shape-defining edgeis ultimately dependent upon the user's preferences, template 10 enablesthe user to create an image in a pre-determined specially-alignedposition relative to the transfer sheet.

As shown in FIG. 1, corner hole edge 18a is disposed in close proximityto the corner of template 10 created by edges 12a and 12d. Corner holeedge 18b is disposed in close proximity to the corner of template 10created by edges 12d and 12c. Corner hole edge 18c is disposed in closeproximity to the corner of template 10 created by edges 12c and 12b.Finally, corner hole edge 18d is disposed in close proximity to thecorner of template 10 created by edges 12b and 12a. Each corner holeedge is disposed within template 10 so as to enable a user to positiontemplate 10.

For instance, FIG. 2 shows the corner hole edges 18a, 18b and 18d oftemplate 10 as utilized to position template 10 on transfer sheet 100.As shown, corner hole edges 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d form a square suchthat a 90 degree angle exists between lines formed by adjacent cornerhole edges. In the Figure, corner hole edge 18a is placed exactly on thecorner point of transfer sheet 100. Corner hole edge 18b is then linedup with edge 100a of transfer sheet 100, and corner hole edge 18d islined up with side 100b of transfer sheet 100. With all of the cornerhole edges lined up, star-shaped edge 40a and the remainingshape-defining edges which are intended to accompany edge 40a to form acomplete corner stencil pattern, are properly positioned on transfersheet 100.

In FIG. 2, the corner stencil pattern is in a pre-determinedspecially-aligned position when all of the images are disposed ontransfer sheet 100 a great enough distance from the outer edges oftransfer sheet 100 so as not to run off of the edge but a short enoughdistance from the outer edges of transfer sheet 100 so that the imagesdo not significantly interfere with any writing or photographs placed inthe center of transfer sheet 100. Additionally, the images are disposedon transfer sheet 100 such that rectangular shape-defining edge 40d is adistance from edge 100b of transfer sheet 100 equal to the distance thatrectangle shape-defining edge 40g is from edge 100a of transfer sheet100. For this particular pattern, the equality of distance of the edgesis desirable because it enables the drawn image on transfer sheet 100 toappear symmetrically positioned in the proximity of the corner oftransfer sheet 100.

Template 10 advantageously comprises a plurality of rectangular markerhole edges. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, template 10 compriseseight rectangular marker hole edges, all of which are disposed in closeproximity to the corners of template 10. Vertically-disposed rectangularmarker hole edge 22 and horizontally-disposed rectangular marker holeedge 24 are located in close proximity with the corner hole edge 18a.Vertically-disposed rectangular marker hole edge 28 andhorizontally-disposed rectangular marker hole edge 26 are located inclose proximity with the corner hole edge 18b. Vertically-disposedrectangular marker hole edge 30 and horizontally-disposed rectangularmarker hole edge 32 are located in close proximity with the corner holeedge 18c. Vertically-disposed rectangular marker hole edge 36 andhorizontally-disposed rectangular marker hole edge 34 are, located inclose proximity with the corner hole edge 18d. It should be noted thatthe use herein of the terms "vertically-disposed" and"horizontally-disposed" are arbitrary, since template 10 can bephysically rotated or flipped in any position. These terms are usedsimply to indicate that the "vertically-disposed" edges are situatedwith their longer edges in one directional arrangement, while the"horizontally-disposed" edges are situated with their longer edges inanother directional arrangement.

Rectangular marker hole edges are also utilized to facilitate thepositioning of template 10 on transfer sheet 100. FIG. 3 illustrates, inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention, how template 10 usesthe vertically-disposed rectangular marker hole edges to positiontemplate edge 12a in close proximity and specially-aligned with edge100b of transfer sheet 100. Rectangular marker hole edge 22 ispositioned over edge 100c of transfer sheet 100 such that edge 100c isvisible through rectangular marker hole edge 22. Rectangular marker holeedge 28 is positioned over edge 100c such that edge 100c is visiblethrough rectangular marker hole edge 28. Similarly, rectangular markerhole edges 30 and 36 are positioned over edge 100a of transfer sheet 100such that edge 100a is visible through rectangular marker hole edges 30and 36. In this position, as shown, edge 12a of template 10 isspecially-aligned in close proximity with edge 100b of transfer sheet100, permitting border 44 to be drawn onto transfer sheet 100.

It should be noted that edge 12a can be moved closer or farther awayfrom edge 100b, at the preference of the user, by moving template 10, solong as edge 100c stays visible within rectangular marker hole edges 22and 28, and edge 100a stays visible within rectangular marker hole edges30 and 36.

Advantageously, though not shown in the figures, horizontally-disposedrectangular marker hole edges 24, 26, 32 and 34 can also be utilized inthe same manner to specially-align other edges of template 10 with otheredges of transfer sheet 100. In the preferred embodiment, rectangularmarker hole edges are a predetermined distance from each other withintemplate 10, conforming to the transfer sheet size expected to beutilized with the present invention. For instance, transfer sheet 100might be an 81/2"×11" piece of paper, which is a popular size. In thiscase, rectangular marker hole edge 22 would be located 81/2" fromrectangular marker hole edge 36, and rectangular marker hole edge 28would be located 81/2" from rectangular marker hole edge 30. In thismanner, edges 100a and 100c of the sheet of paper would be visible ineach of the rectangular marker hole edges. Similarly, rectangular markerhole edges 24 and 26 would be located 11" from each other, andrectangular marker hole edges 32 and 34 would be located 11" from eachother, so that edges 100b and 100d are visible in each of therectangular marker hole edges.

In another embodiment of the invention, additional rectangular markerhole edges, which are not shown, exist in template 10 to permit varioussizes of transfer sheet 100 to be utilized. For instance, a plurality ofvertically-disposed rectangular marker hole edges can be located suchthat two marker holes exist at distances of, for example, 5", 81/2", 11"and 14" from each other. These particular sizes are specified onlybecause they are popular sizes for paper sheets--in fact, any sizes ofsheets would be possible. In the same manner, a plurality ofhorizontally-disposed rectangular marker hole edges can be located atthe same distances from each. Thus, the rectangular marker hole edgescould be utilized to position template 10 on to transfer sheet 100regardless of whether template 10 was flipped or reversed. It shouldalso be noted that the present invention contemplates the use of othershapes besides rectangles for this purpose.

Template 10 also comprises center hole edges 20a, 20b, 20c and 20d.Center hole edges enable a user to center a design on transfer sheet100. FIG. 4 illustrates, in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention, how center hole edge 20d of the present invention is utilizedto center point 12e of edge 12a of template 10 on transfer sheet 100.Center line 102 of transfer sheet 100 is known and is marked withcenterline mark 102a on transfer sheet 100, advantageously in lightpencil for erasure later on. Center line 102 is then lined up withcenter hole edge 20d such that centerline mark 102a is visible throughcenter hole edge 20d. Center hole edge 20d is located in close proximityto and is directly vertical to center point 12e of edge 12a. As shown,center point 12e of edge 12a is, as a result of lining up center holeedge 20d, also lined up with centerline 102 of transfer sheet 100. Drawnline 44 can therefore be drawn onto transfer sheet 100 whereby point 44aof drawn line 44 is also located on centerline 102. With point 44alocated on centerline 102 of transfer sheet 100, the pattern of drawnline 44 on the right side of centerline 102 is symmetrical with and amirrored image of drawn line 44 on the left side of centerline 102.

According to a further embodiment, the present invention may furthercontain a layering system. As previously described, a layering systemcomprises a plurality of sets of voids or cut-outs defined byshape-defining edges, positioned to form a pre-determined pattern uponcompletion, and a plurality of marker holes associated with each set.The plurality of marker holes are used to create a marked drawing spotfor successive alignment of each set during the layering process, thuspermitting a stenciled image from one set to be layered onto previouslystenciled images from other sets. The layered effect is created bystenciling only that portion of each shape from a set which does notoverlap any shapes from a previously stenciled set.

According to the preferred embodiment, the shapes of each set arespecially positioned to form, when successively aligned and layeredtogether, a predetermined pattern, such as an interconnected design oflayered geometric shapes. Referring to FIG. 5, template 10 containstherein three sets, in this case rows 201, 202 and 203, of geometricshapes. Each set has a plurality of marker holes associated therewith.Row 201 has marker holes 204a and 204b, located at opposite ends of therow, associated with it. Likewise, rows 202 and 203 have marker holes205a and 205b, and marker holes 206a and 206b, associated with them,respectively.

According to this embodiment, the first row 201 comprises an arrangementof circles, each circle variably spaced apart. The second row 202comprises an arrangement of squares, and the third row 203 comprises anarrangement of triangles. The individual shapes arranged on each row arenotably not even, but instead are specially positioned with respect totheir correlating rows in order to form, when layered together, onecombined interconnected pattern, as described hereinafter.

The layering system of FIG. 5 has a layering means comprised of threesteps, respectively illustrated in FIGS. 6a, 6b and 6c. The first stepof the layering system is shown in FIG. 6a. First, template 10 is placedon transfer sheet 100 such that a first set of shapes, in this case row201, is positioned as desired relative to transfer sheet 100. Markeddrawing spots 215a and 215b are then created on transfer sheet 100,advantageously as a light pencil mark that can later be removed orcovered, by inserting a writing implement through marker holes 204a and204b. With marker holes 204a and 204b still positioned over markeddrawing spots 215a and 215b respectively, the circle shapes from row 201are stenciled onto transfer sheet 100 with a writing implement. Thus, aseries of circles are now positioned on transfer sheet 100 in a visiblepattern 210.

In the second step of the layering system, as shown in FIG. 6b, template10 is adjusted so that marker holes 205a and 205b of the second row ofshapes are aligned with marked drawing spots 215a and 215b,respectively. Thereafter, the square shapes of row 202 are stenciledonto transfer sheet 100 with the writing implement. In order toaccomplish the layered effect, only that part of the shape is stenciledwhich does not overlap any previously drawn shapes. Thus, the secondstenciled shapes appear to be located behind and partially hidden by thefirst stenciled shapes, and the combined image is positioned on transfersheet 100 in a visible pattern 211.

In the third step of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6c, template 10is further adjusted so that marker holes 206a and 206b of the third rowof shapes are aligned with marked drawing spots 215a and 215b,respectively. Thereafter, the triangular shapes of row 203 are stenciledonto transfer sheet 100 with the writing implement. In order to continuethe layered effect, only that part of the triangular shape is stenciledwhich does not overlap any previously drawn circle or square shapes.Upon completing the three steps of this embodiment, an interconnecteddesign 212 of geometric shapes will be stenciled on transfer sheet 100.

Notably, in alternative embodiments, the layered drawing may be a seriesof distinct intricate drawings. For example, if not every shape fromeach set was traced, there may be more than one discrete imagesdispersed on transfer sheet 100. Additionally, the order in which eachset of patterns is stenciled onto transfer sheet 100 can be varied suchthat different sets of images are more prominently displayed in thefinal design. Thus, while template 10 provides a pre-determined patternof geometric shapes as final design 212, the user can customize design212 as desired.

After the final step, marked drawing spots 215a and 215b may either beerased or covered with a random doodle or other pattern. Moreover, thegeometric shapes of this embodiment, may be filled thereafter withvarious doodling. For example, the squares can be drawn as dice or giftwrapped presents, the circles as basketballs or candy, and the trianglesas hats, etc. embodiments with patterns different than these geometricshapes can be similarly created. The finished layered can be used as aborder or for any other purpose.

It is understood that the number of rows in the layering system may beincreased or decreased to two row, etc., and the frequency andpositioning of the patterns may be altered as will. In one embodiment(not shown), a single row of shapes could be layered by positioning theshapes such that, by flipping and rotating template 10, a pre-determinedlayered pattern is created. Additionally, each row need not have thesame pattern dispersed throughout, nor need there be only simples,squares, and triangles.

While there has been shown and described particular embodiments of theinvention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changesand modifications can be made therein without departing from theinvention, and therefore, the appended claims shall be understood tocover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spiritand scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A template for guiding a writing or cuttingimplement on a first or second transfer sheet, said first and secondtransfer sheets having first, second, third and fourth outer edges whichdefine four corners, said template comprising:first, second, third andfourth outer edges, said outer edges forming a generally rectangularshaped template having first, second, third and fourth corners, saidfirst and said second outer edges of said template having a non-linearshape so that at least two different border designs may be traced on oneof said first or second transfer sheets utilizing said first and secondouter edges; at least one corner border design located at said secondcorner of said template; first, second and third corner holes eachrespectively located at said first, second and third corners of saidrectangular shaped template so that when said second corner hole isaligned with said second corner of said first transfer sheet and saidfirst and third corner holes are aligned with said first and secondouter edges of said first transfer sheet, said corner border design maybe traced onto said first transfer sheet; and at least first, second,third and fourth marker holes respectively located at each of saidfirst, second, third and fourth corners of said template, so that whensaid first and second marker holes are aligned with said first edge ofsaid second transfer sheet and said third and fourth marker holes arealigned with said third edge of said second transfer sheet, said secondouter edge of said template is positioned on said second transfer sheetso that said non-linear shape of said second outer edge may be traced onto said second transfer sheet.
 2. The template of claim 1, wherein saidtemplate further comprises at least one set of shape-defining edgesdisposed between said outer edges of said template.
 3. The template ofclaim 1, wherein said template further comprises a third outer edgehaving a non-linear shape which is different from said shapes of saidfirst and second outer edges.
 4. The template of claim 3, wherein saidtemplate further comprises a fourth outer edge having a non-linear shapewhich is different from said shapes of said first, second and thirdouter edges.
 5. The template of claim 1, wherein the template isfabricated out of a plastic material.